why do i ask? well, because finding and cultivating your personal style can be tricky. if your closet is full of clothes and you still feel glum when you get dressed, you need to find your fashion point of view. it’s not a rigid mandate about what you can or cannot wear, but more like an inspirational guidepost. a style muse can serve as your “north star” when navigating the busy world of clothing and accessories.

photo Orit Harpaz | this gentleman rode straight through our shoot. he is completely confident in his personal style and needs no muse. obviously.

take a few minutes to tour your closet. which pieces and colors are you gravitating toward? any recurring themes? any surprises? i did this exercise with my mother forever ago. we found that 80 percent of her tops were print button downs to which she exclaimed, “i hate prints.” hmm.

let what you find guide your future choices, and have your style muse act as a visual reminder of your ideal fashion self. refer to her when you are shopping and getting dressed, working to communicate a certain image, and building your wardrobe arsenal.

photo Orit Harpaz | a fairly traditional top that needs the fun collar, cuff and print to make it interesting.

and you can have more than one muse. your vision for yourself may be one thing Monday through Friday, and quite another on Saturday night. also, combinations are normal. for example, i typically call to mind audrey hepburn and kerry washington, but i also try for a splash of solange.

photo Orit Harpaz |(fall weather in cali means no jacket needed for a few afternoon hours). this lbd has paid for itself ten times over. a classic silhouette paired with a cheeky clutch for an easy day look.